Activism

18 Anti-Racism Organisations In The UK To Support & Donate To

Tackling issues across the social, political, and economic spectrums.

by Sophie McEvoy
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
filadendron/Getty

In 2020, thousands of demonstrators took to major UK cities to support U.S. protests sparked by the death of George Floyd on May 27. Over a year later, demonstrations and protests continue to stand up against racial injustice. But, if you're unable to attend these protests, there are plenty of other ways to support and help the anti-racism movement in the UK – whether that's through donations or on social media.

Here are a variety of organisations dedicated to fighting racial injustice in the UK. If a particular organisation calls for donations and you are able to make one, that's a great way to show support. However, if you're not able to contribute financially, there are other ways you can help. Spreading the word on social media is useful, as is raising awareness of these organisations among your friends and family.

Moreover, many of these organisations offer tools and resources that can be used to educate yourself, and those around you on anti-racism. Making a donation or posting on social media are useful acts, but sustained awareness of the work that needs to be done to support and uplift people of colour is crucial. Scroll down to see the UK anti-racism organisations you can support and donate to.

1

Justice For Belly Mujinga

While working on the concourse of London's Victoria Station, railway ticket office worker Belly Mujinga and a colleague were spat on by a member of the public who said he had COVID-19.

Both went on to contract the virus, and Mujinga sadly passed away 11 days after the attack, as the Guardian reports. Despite this, British Transport Police will be taking no action against the man who spat at Mujinga. The force said in a statement: "Following a review of all the information, senior detectives have concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate any criminal offences having taken place, and that the tragic death of Belly Mujinga was not a consequence of this incident."

A GoFundMe was set up in Mujinga's name, with an initial target of £1,000 to fund her funeral. Mujinga was laid to rest on April 29, but the fundraiser has continued to grow and has since amassed over £230,000.

"All future donations will go to support the family, especially Belly's little girl," organiser Nnadozie Nwokocha wrote on the page.

2

Show Racism The Red Card

As the UK's largest anti-racism educational charity, Show Racism The Red Card utilises the platform of football "to help tackle racism in society" through educational workshops, events, and sessions to "challenge misconceptions, stereotypes, and negative attitudes in society.”

3

Stand Up To Racism

Stand Up To Racism are standing in solidarity with those protesting police brutality in the U.S. by holding UK wide days of action via socially distanced protests following an online meeting including US activists from Minneapolis and New York, Diane Abbott MP, and Claudia Webbe MP.

The group have called for a day of nationwide action in the UK, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday (June 3). You can also support them by donating to their cause.

4

Black Thrive

Racial injustices and systemic oppression not only take their toll on Black people's mental health, but also make it harder for them to access adequate care and support. That's where Black Thrive comes in. Based in Lambeth, the partnership helps provide the UK's biggest Black community by working together to "reduce the inequality and injustices experienced by Black people in mental health services."

5

Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust

Following the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993, the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust was set up to help "influence others to create a fairer society in which everyone, regardless of their background, can flourish."

With a focus on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the trust aims to help them gain the "knowledge, skills, and qualifications" to succeed in their chosen careers.

There are numerous ways you can support the trust, including donations, fundraising, and volunteering.

6

Black Cultural Archives

As the only national heritage centre of its kind in the UK, the Black Cultural Archives helps preserve and celebrate the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain, allowing members of the community to "find positive representations of themselves in history and culture."

Located in Brixton, the centre hosts dozens of exhibitions and events to provide a "comprehensive picture of Black presence in Britain."

7

CRER

Based in Scotland, the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) focuses on eliminating "racial discrimination and harassment" by "advocating, campaigning, and influencing developments to promote racial equality."

Through engaging with the public sector and working with Black, Asian, and Minority Ethic (BAME) communities, CRER helps promote "their voices and aspirations across Scotland."

8

Runnymede

The UK's leading independent race equality think tank, Runnymede challenges race inequality through "authoritative research-based interventions", and publications that drive public debate.

As an independently run body, Runnymede depends on donations from supporters to continue their work. Whether you host a fundraiser or donate directly, you can help them "build on [their] legacy, and ensure the future of [their] work is secure."

9

Discrimination Law Association

The Discrimination Law Association is a collective charity that provides those who face discrimination with advice from law practitioners, policy experts, concerned individuals, and organisations.

With more than 300 members, the DLA are united "around a commitment to strengthening anti-discrimination law, practice, advice, and education in the UK."

10

The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust

Established in 2001, the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust helps BAME communities in Manchester "by running oral history projects, hosting events and exhibitions, and working with schools, for past, present, and future generations."

The organisation takes its name from a 13-year-old boy who was stabbed to death at school, which led to a public inquiry commissioned by the Manchester City Council "into racism and racial violence in Manchester schools."

11

BEMIS

Scottish-based BEMIS supports the "development of the Ethnic Minorities Voluntary Sector in Scotland," providing ethnic minority communities with support and empowerment.

By helping to amplify the voices of BAME groups and individuals, BEMIS aims to ensure "that they are fully recognised and supported as a valued part of the Scottish multicultural civic society."

12

Race Equality First

As the leading body for "tackling discrimination and hate crime" in Wales, Race Equality First provides numerous services to support the BAME community, especially victims of hate crime.

13

Southall Black Sisters

Addressing the needs of migrant and BAME women suffering from domestic abuse, Southall Black Sisters is a resource centre "providing information, advice, advocacy, counselling and support to Black women and children," as stated on their Facebook page.

You can support SBS's cause in a variety of ways, all of which can be found here.

14

The Black Fund

Following her BBC documentary, Little Mix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock set up The Black Fund charity with her fiancé, Watford striker Andre Grey. The organisation channels both finances and other support to charities who work to empower Black communities.

It’s based on the traditional Jamaican Paadna savings scheme, where “everyone contributes to each collecting round, and the proceeds are paid out to a member of the group,” Pinnock and Grey write on the official Black Fund website. “Ultimately, over time, everyone benefits.”

You can support The Black Fund’s work by sharing social media posts and donating by email.

15

Five X More

A grassroots organisation co-founded by mothers Tinuke and Clo in 2019, Five X More aims to change the outcome of Black women’s maternal health in the UK. By supporting mothers with campaigning work and recommendations, Five X More focuses on “empowering Black women to make informed choices and advocate for themselves throughout their pregnancies and after childbirth.”

To support Five X More, the organisation asks that you share a selfie with the hashtag #fivexmore to “raise awareness and save lives”. You can also donate to Five X More via PayPal here.

16

Exist Loudly

Launched in September 2020 by Tanya Compas, Exist Loudly is a charity that supports Queer Black Youth. Through running online workshops and talks as well as providing community spaces, the charity strives to “support the needs of those who sit at the intersection of Blackness and Queer identity,” as media and strategy group NKG wrote, who offered Compas their services pro bono.

The charity has also launched The Exist Loudly Fund, which you can donate to via their GoFundMe page.

The proceeds will go towards facilitating the services they offer, with any extra money raised going towards the annual Queer Black Christmas – an event where those who are homeless or have a strained relationship with their family can celebrate the holidays, per Gay Times.

17

Black Minds Matter

Black Minds Matter aims to provide Black individuals and families with accessibility to free mental health care in the UK, as well as removing the stigma around mental health, and remodelling services “to be relevant for the Black community.”

They also aim to pair those needing mental health services with Black practitioners and services, which can be chosen through their official website.

You can support Black Minds Matter by donating via the Oxfordshire Community Foundation, and by sharing their message across social media.

18

INAR

As a network of over 100 anti-racism civil society organisations, the Irish Network Against `Racism serves as a membership organisation who are committed in "combating racism and all related forms of discrimination in every sphere of life in Ireland."

INAR is also an active member of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), with whom they regularly collaborate to "co-ordinate research initiatives, campaigns, and mobilisations".

This article was originally published on